Legal Services Programme In a country where legal aid is not readily accessible the LRF continues to be the main provider of legal assistance to the indigent and vulnerable, regardless of gender, political orientation or cultural beliefs. Through one member of the community being helped, others have been sensitised to the negative effects of human rights violations as well as gaining confidence in the justice delivery system, countering the notion that the law is only for the wealthy. “Before the coming of LRF, we did not know where to go with our burdens, we could just die in silence but now we can go and report all cases. We used to think that only those who can afford lawyers have the right to benefit from the country’s legal system.” During the year 10,509 cases were handled by the paralegals and lawyers, dominated by cases of gender-based violence, child custody and property sharing. Domestic violence remained prevalent possibly because of the harsh economic environment whereby dealing with stress leads to attacks on spouses and partners. 8,703 cases were resolved. Distribution of Cases by Geographical Location Highfield Legal Advice Centre New Cases Distribution of Clients by Gender Male 39% Type of Case Distribution Civil & Political Rights 19% Female 61% Other 10% Delicts 3% 18 Legal Resources Foundation Annual Report 2015 Children Rights 20% Gender Based Violence 48%